Injury scare hits England, Australia laughs

Andrew Flintoff is the latest casualty in the Ashes tournament being played in England. After the first test in Cardiff ended on Sunday, he was confronted by a group of angry ladies on his way to the pub where he was to meet fellow team mates Monty Penasar, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and James Anderson to celebrate their centuries with the ball.

"There was nine or ten of them... they hit he with their handbags while two of them stabbed me with knitting needles. It was a terrible experience. I was so looking forward to the friendly celebrations at Paddy's Pub. Luckily Kev [Pietersen] came by and rescued me."

Kevin Pietersen was on his way to a local strip club when he reportedly heard a lady screaming for help. After dashing into the alley, he saw what he described as "Freddie like, being beaten up by like, old chicks" and rushed in to save him.

After throwing a few of them over a fence, he helped Freddie up and carried him to the nearest veterinary hospital where the doctor who examined him allegedly wanted to put him out because of his injuries. Pietersen promptly took him to a people hospital after having one of the delightful lattes from the café next door.

The doctor who examined Flintoff at the hospital, wrote out a sick note that will allow Flintoff to miss the second and possibly the third test against Australia "due to slight abrasions on his knee".

Flintoff is to receive counseling for what he went through in Cardiff and also for the trauma he suffered at the handbags of the old ladies.

Meanwhile, the Australian captain Ricky Ponting wasn't fazed by what appeared to be a lack security for the English team.

"We're more than capable of defending ourselves against old ladies, as we so rightly proved at Sophia Gardens last week. There's nothing the English can throw at us that we can't handle, except, you know, that Simon Cowell guy. He's just a nasty piece of work."

Australia will be in with a chance if Flintoff stays away from Lords for the second test on Thursday, especially after coming from the Cardiff test with his heroic, match-drawing spell of 1/128. England will be hoping for Flintoff to recover quickly if they are to draw the remaining tests in the series.

All eyes will be on the selectors to see who will replace Flintoff - Harmison or a real cricketer? Only time will tell, but we'll let you know if you didn't hear what time said.